No Left Turns

Random Thoughts

So I see in today's WaPo that the Supreme Court is taking up the case of whether to restrict these despicable folks who protest at military funerals that our soldier's deaths are God's punishment for America's toleration of gays. I had heard of these loathesome folks, but didn't know their protests were quite so extensive. I'm a fairly strong free speech guy, and I suppose the Court should find that this is protected speech (given their flag-burning rulings, I expect even Scalia--especially Scalia--to come down this way), though I can see some extension of time, place, and manner restrictions. However, I can easily imagine an extra-legal remedy that would once have been countenanced before we ratcheted up our hyper-legal ways: A group of good folks (I'd join them) would turn up at such a protest and beat the you-know-what out of these people.

Next, SEIU union goons and other folks are having a jolly time in downtown DC today protesting a meeting of health insurance executives at the Ritz-Cartlon Hotel. (Whose bad idea was it to have health insurance execs meet at a Ritz-Carlton in DC in the current political climate? Do these people actually want federal regulation?--Ed. Um, yes, probably.) Anyway, it's getting big play in the media today, since it is so convenient to media outlets. Memo to Tea Partiers: How about organizing a big protest outside the next meeting/convention of the American Trial Lawyers Association?

Lastly, as I drive across the Roosevelt bridge to work (not quite) every day, I've been watching a fancy new building with swank shiny domes going up on Constitution Avenue right next to the State Department. Only lately did I bother to observe the sign about what it is going to house: The U.S. Institute for Peace. Next to the State Department. Hmm. Isn't that redundant? Or is it competition? Either way, seems a waste of money and shiny domes.

Discussions - 1 Comment

Craig Scanlon

"However, I can easily imagine an extra-legal remedy that would once have been countenanced before we ratcheted up our hyper-legal ways: A group of good folks (I'd join them) would turn up at such a protest and beat the you-know-what out of these people."

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